Earthquake Early Warning System Network Extended On The Connected Coast Network

The Strathcona Regional District is receiving funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) to enhance earthquake safety along the Connected Coast Network.

“The SRD is proud to partner on this project that improves the earthquake safety notifications for all British Columbians,” stated Mark Baker, Chair of the Strathcona Regional District.

“Through funding from Natural Resources Canada, we are harnessing innovative technology to provide early warnings that enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of our communities. This initiative underscores our commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents.”

The SRD will install Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) sensors in high seismic risk areas along the Connected Coast Network route, supplementing the national EEW system.

The initiative aims to provide crucial seconds of warning to coastal communities before the strongest shaking occurs, enabling the protection of SRD’s infrastructure, and the region’s communities, facilities, and the environment when time is of the essence.

The alerts from the EEW system have the potential to trigger immediate actions by safety systems such as stopping traffic from driving onto bridges or into tunnels, diverting incoming air traffic, allowing surgeons to stop surgery, closing gas valves, and opening fire hall and ambulance bay doors.

The SRD will deploy 25 Earthquake Early Warning Stations at remote B.C. coast sites along the Connected Coast Network.

Currently, 6 sensors are installed, with 5 actively transmitting signals. The remaining sites are scheduled for installation and operation by March 2024.

The Connected Coast Network is bringing new or improved high-speed internet accessibility to 139 rural and remote coastal communities, including 48 Indigenous communities – representing 44 First Nations – along the BC coast from north of Prince Rupert, to Haida Gwaii, south to Vancouver, and around Vancouver Island.

For more information, visit Strathcona Regional District.